Big Freeze continues: Trust headteachers to make the best decisions for schools

Speaking after she raised the issue of blanket school closures at FMQs today, Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said:

"We have seen the worst winter weather in November for 40 years and I want to pay tribute to all our public service workers – in transport, in our hospitals, in our GP surgeries, and especially our care workers who have battled through the snow to reach the most vulnerable in our communities.

"But one group particularly challenged by this weather is parents. Tens of thousands of them, willing to battle to work, have found themselves coping with numerous Councils imposing a blanket closure of every school.

"The safety of children and teachers is paramount and of course individual judgements must be made, but surely that is the point? We should trust our head-teachers to make the right decision for their school and their pupils.

"Such a blanket closure policy is obstructive and inappropriate, as it causes huge and avoidable disruption to thousands of families across the country. We need local judgements so why can't we trust our head-teachers?"

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